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April 11, 2008

iPhone 3G buzz mill goes into high gear

With Walt Mossberg's off handed comment (link) last week that the 3G iPhone was 60 days out; the rumor mill has gotten into high gear. Several days later Walt denied having any knowledge of any release date. As Apple's number one mainstream media pitch man, I think he has a pretty good idea when they plan on releasing it, although because of Apple's secretive culture he may not know specifics. Even with his statement, it does look like Apple is starting to clear inventory of the current iPhone models. Per macrumors.com:

"Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray has gone a little further, reporting that he’s called around to 20 Apple stores around the U.S. and found the same thing. No iPhones to be had. Additionally, lead times on delivery of iPhones from Apple.com is still 5-7 days."

Then, you have T-Mobile Germany dropping the price of the 8GB iPhone down to 99 Euros down from 399 Euros with a premium 89 Euros/month contract. This promotions ends June 30th. The subsidized pricing was thought to be a no no in Apple's contracts with carriers, apparently T-Mobile Germany's contract allows it.

And lastly, Walt Mossberg's web site allthingsdigital.com is now reporting (link) on the 3G iPhone release date rumors with some new details. It cites that the price will be identical to the current models ($399 8GB, $499 16GB) and the device is only 2.5mm thick. I find the new thickness hard to believe, since the current iPhone is 11.4mm thick, maybe this is a typo and should read .25" from a current .46". Either way slimmer is better.

I just hope it will have quad band UMTS/HSPDA to support T-Mobile's US 3G network, although I am sure AT&T has done everything it can to stop Apple from providing that flexibility...